Takeaway
Mutations in the microtubule associated protein tau gene (MAPT) significantly influences age at onset and at death for individuals with frontotemporal dementia.
Why this matters
Frontotemporal dementia is a genetically and pathologically heterogeneous disease that is associated with behavioral and executive dysfunction; one third of cases are genetic.
Although the clinical features of these genetic forms of frontotemporal dementia are well characterized, the genetic link with age of onset and disease duration still requires clarification.